Higher Risk Buildings

New fire safety regulations in the UK have fundamentally reshaped the approval process for both construction and remediation, introducing heightened scrutiny at every stage, from planning and design to completion and occupation.

For those involved in Higher Risk Buildings (HRBs), understanding the implications of this regulatory shift is now business critical. With increased oversight and the introduction of the Gateway Process, expert guidance is essential to navigate this evolving landscape with confidence. Joule Group is leading the way, helping clients respond proactively to these changes. Our team ensures projects are prepared from day one, minimising delays, aligning with new requirements, and delivering compliant, resilient outcomes.

Our fire engineering services cover new build HRBs from Gateway 1 through to Gateway 3, and work to existing HRBs of every category, from major remediation to emergency repairs. Wherever your project sits in the process, our support is pragmatic and proportionate to the work involved.

New Build HRBs

Our service follows the Gateway Process, so your project is prepared from day one and supported at every approval point.

Gateway One

Strategic fire safety advice during planning, including Fire Statements and early design reviews to help de-risk the approval process.

Gateway Two

Comprehensive fire engineering support throughout detailed design, including fire strategy development, regulator submissions and coordination with the wider project team.

Gateway Three

Construction stage support, change management, inspections and final documentation to help demonstrate compliance and support occupation approval.

Existing HRBs

Works to existing Higher Risk Buildings require a proportionate approach that reflects the scope of change, regulatory requirements and project risks. Typical project support includes:

Major Building Alterations

Supporting significant refurbishment, remediation and redevelopment projects where building changes may require Building Safety Regulator approval.

Minor Building Works

Providing targeted fire engineering input for lower-risk modifications, ensuring appropriate considerations are addressed without unnecessary complexity.

Emergency Works

When urgent repairs cannot wait, we provide practical fire safety advice and documentation to help ensure works are undertaken safely and with appropriate records in place.

Latest Projects

Joule Group's familiarity with the current regulatory environment enables us to advise effectively on current requirements and best practice for the construction of new buildings and remediation works to existing buildings in the Higher Risk Buildings category. Find out more about some of our recent projects below:

Leading UK Housebuilder Portfolio

Joule Group is working with one of the UK’s top housebuilders to assess external façade systems across a large portfolio of existing buildings. The review process for existing external façade systems includes requirements for on-site inspections, the determination of compliance, and, where necessary, careful remedial works.

Learn more here

Quayside Barking

Joule Group were appointed as fire safety engineers from the project’s inception, supporting the development of 1,514 residential units, a community hub, and commercial spaces. With a forward-looking approach to political and regulatory shifts in the built environment, Joule Group delivered an early impact assessment outlining how proposed design elements could be affected by anticipated legislative changes.

Learn more here

Suttons Wharf

Due to the introduction of the Building Safety Act 2022, extensive cladding remediation works were necessary to ensure compliance. Joule Group have been directly assisting Stanmore Group by providing site fire safety documentation during the remediation works and have been supporting the design team and construction team in developing the fire safety aspects of the construction plan.

Learn more here

Navigating the new regulatory regime for Higher Risk Buildings requires more than just compliance - it demands foresight, collaboration, and technical rigour. At Joule Group, we're supporting clients to make informed decisions early, so their projects are not only compliant, but resilient and future proofed.
- David Black, Group Director

The Gateway Process has added new layers of scrutiny to every stage of a Higher Risk Building’s lifecycle. Our role is to break down that complexity, ensuring our clients understand the risks, meet their obligations, and keep projects moving with confidence.
- Jack Partington, Associate Director

Insights from our team

Joule Group has significant experience of working on Higher Risk Building projects across the built environment, and is exceptionally well positioned to help clients with construction and remediation projects in the sector. Read some of our latest thought leadership content below:

HRB

HRB, Op-Ed

Higher-Risk Buildings

A number of recent fire incidents in high-rise residential buildings has brought questions of how such incidents happen, and how similar incidents can...

6 minute read

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Whether you're delivering a new Higher Risk Building, refurbishing an existing asset, or planning remediation works, our fire engineers can help you understand the requirements, manage risk and engage effectively with the Building Safety Regulator.